The Chagrin Gateway Dems heard from Chris Ronayne, our  Cuyahoga County Executive. He began his career with the County Planning Commission  and served as the President of University Circle Inc. He caught our attention by pointing out that in recent years we have learned “how fragile our democracy is”.  In this time when the Federal government has cut back funds for Medicaid and food stamps, he sees his role as making sure Cuyahoga County makes clear what help is available.  

He warned us that the State Assembly is encouraging County Executives to re-appropriate funds that the tax-payers have designated for specific purposes to fill in gaps.  But Chris feels it is wrong to just disregard what voters want. 

Chris gave us a list of the positive things that Cuyahoga County is working on:

•         Small business establishment
•         Green Energy
•         Maritime Economy development
•         The Welcome Center in Brooklyn
•         A Music Commission
•         A proposal for a true wellness center for the homeless instead simply putting them in empty government buildings

He is still fighting against the stadium move (did they learn nothing from Richfield?)—He shared his pipe dreams of a Burke Lake front development.  He admitted that we are building a new jail, but said it is a campus that is focused on community re-entry. He is chairman of the Great Lakes Policy Forum.  

We left the meeting impressed by Chris Ronayne’s hope and vision. 
– Lyn Newman